Rebirth

by Valerie Willis

  Why would she help me? Metsy, I never talk to her. I never even told her thank you until today for all the times she’s came to my rescue in this class. Guess I should try to make an effort to talk to her some more. She’s struggling in the class, but I make a horrible tutor. Shellie told me never attempt to teach anyone, not even her. Maybe I can see if Shellie can help her out or something. She’s a natural at math once she catches the concept. Heh, I guess I just don’t have the patience. I hate waiting.

  He took out the Book of Ancients, ready to continue the next chapter.

  Chapter Ten

  “Hotan!” The teacher snatched the book from his hands. “Pay Attention!”

  “Give it back.” His voice was low and calm as he glared up at her. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I should be able to read a book in peace.”

  “What?” She laughed. “You might get it back when school ends this year. If I feel you deserve it.”

  Standing up from his seat, he snatched the book back. “What the hell is your problem? I’ve done nothing to you. This is a joke! How many other kids do you treat like this? Or do I intimidate you so much you have to try and pull power over me? Push me around in front of everyone to feel like you are in control.”

  “Uh!” She stepped back, startled by his actions. “Why don’t you go to the office! I’m calling the principal! I don’t have to take this from you! Of all the kids! Get out of my classroom!”

  “Fine!” There was no hesitation as he grabbed his book bag, the door rattling as he slammed it behind him. “This is just bullshit! I’ve done nothing to her!”

  “You’re not going to pass this class!” She threatened him, hiding behind her classroom door as she screamed one last comment down the hallways. “You’re failing! You hear me Hotan! FAILING!”

  “Well too bad! Long as I don’t see that face of yours again, I rather fail! I’d be more than happy to repeat this class!” Giving her the cold shoulder, he made it for the administrators’ office.

  I’ve never had any issues with any teachers. They can’t take her side considering this. I wonder if Metsy or some of the other kids would speak up for me? Hard to say, she’s probably threatening them to automatic failure if they say a word about what happens in the class between us. All those ridiculous arguments over nothing. Literally finishing my work and minding my own business. What a joke…

  Dropping his stuff in a chair, he flopped down in the adjacent chair. The secretary eyed him every so often as she whispered on the phone. He felt like a suspect for a murder with the way she shifted nervously while he sat staring at her. Hanging up her phone, she turned her full attention to him. Shifting in her chair again, she cleared her throat.

  “Let me guess,” Her face scrunched, “Hotan?”

  “Yea.” He huffed, “That’s me.”

  “Who’s your counselor?” She started looking at a chart on her desk.

  “Mr. Wyatt.”

  “Well he’s not here today.” The phone rang and she picked it up. “Good afternoon, Northside High School, this is Lydia, how may I help you?”

  “That’s too bad.” Mumbling to himself, Hotan allowed his rage pour forward. “Maybe he’ll be more useful now that he’s not here. It seems that guy gets more vacation days than work days.”

  “Yes, are you sure? Ok. I’ll send him in.” Hanging up the phone, she flicked her finger at him, motioning for him to stand. “That was the principal, Mr. Piedmont. He wants you to go to his office to have a word with you.”

  “Piedmont? The principal? The room at the end right?” Good. Maybe I can explain to him what’s been

  going on.

  “Yes, all the way down. You can’t miss it. It should say Principal on the door.” The phone rang again and she answered it, shooing him with her hand.

  He walked down the narrow hallway, knocking on the Principal’s door.

  This can’t get any worse. I suppose if this goes sour, I have every right to drop out. Then again, I did promise mom I would finish...

  “Come in.” He heard the old man’s shaky voice thunder through the door.

  “Hi.” Walking in, he stared at the old man who gazed up at him with soft blue eyes.

  Colors again? Why here though? Always with the eyes. Is this some sign I should be picking up on? What am I missing?

  “Take a seat there, son.” He gestured to a chair close by. His desk was cluttered with stacks of paper and he fumbled with his computer’s keyboard. “Just give me a moment. I am a tad unorganized today.”

  “Thanks. I’m in no rush, Mr. Piedmont. I just hope someone in class will be nice enough, or at least brave enough, to speak up on my behalf. There is a means of making a formal complaint against Ms. Bothirsen, and I wish to follow through with one.” Hotan took in a deep breath, his words smooth and confident as he watched the old man squint at the monitor. “Once you have a moment, I wish to tell you what’s been going on in class.”

  “Well now.” The old man’s face stretched awkwardly as he grinned, shifting his eyes to Hotan. “Before we start such a nasty conversation, I would like your opinion on something. What do you think about that painting over there on the wall? I just bought it this week, and I am not so sure about it.”

  “Huh?” Slowly shifting in his chair, Hotan looked back at this painting he was referring to.

  Ok, he completely ignored what I was saying. Why does he want me to look at his picture? Wait, this has got to be some kind of joke. How much more frustrating is today going to be?

  Once again, colors came to life to his eyes and mind. He saw the painting in full color, but nothing else in the room. It was a nice sized watercolor picture in a Japanese Ink style scroll. Smooth strokes showed the caliber of the artist’s talent. He examined the earthy greens and golds on the bamboo limbs where a colorful bird sat. The bird held many colors that blended beautifully with reds, browns, purples, and blues. He turned back to the old man who smiled proudly about his painting.

  I don’t understand what the message is here. I don’t know what is so important about an old man and his prized painting. Huffing, he took a moment to shake the anxiety that rattled his nerves. I don’t think I can take much more of this today.

  “Well, what do you think?” Mr. Piedmont’s eyes made a strong connection with his, the blue flashing in excitement. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

  “It’s nice.” Mumbling, Hotan swallowed his unhinged feelings. Where is this all going? Does he want something? Does he have something I need? Will I get an answer or only more questions like before?

  “Ah. Which color is your favorite?”

  “Color?” Shellie’s green eyes flashed in his head, a color much like on the bamboo and bird in the painting. “The green, I really like the soft earthy green on the golden bamboo.”

  “Really?” Opening a desk drawer, Mr. Piedmont put some wrapped candy on the desk. “Try the green ones, they’re good. I always had a sweet tooth and I find these make for a great ice breaker.”

  “The, green ones.” Staring at the candy, Hotan could only see variations of gray. Kyle talks about the red candies all the time. He is always getting in trouble and all I ever hear from him is about the candy. Is this a trick? “Right the green ones, of course.”

  “Well, where were we?” Mr. Piedmont watched as he picked up a piece and started to eat one. “What’s this whole problem in Math class? You have such a clean record and your grades are off the charts. I couldn’t imagine you making a scene and acting rebellious in class so close to graduation.”

  “Oh, she doesn’t like me. I try to mind my own business, but she literally picks on me constantly. I finish my work and then sit quietly, but she will start an argument every time. Nagging at me, threatens that I’m failing. When I left, she continued to yell at me in front of the class, always in front of other students. I’ve gotten straight A’s on her exams; there is no reason for me to fail this class.” Gnawing at the hard candy, he was trying to place a flavor, maybe watermelon. Why w
atermelon, that doesn’t help.

  “Hmm, I’ll see if I can work out something. You’ve got an excellent record, my boy. Obviously it must be her.” He lay back in his seat looking at his computer, clicking here and there. “Squeaky clean in fact, just bad chemistry between you two. That’s ok. It happens more than you think.”

  “You actually agree with me?” Oh, thank God.

  “Of course, only thing I can really think of doing is giving you some sort of extra curriculum in that time slot. I’ll talk to her and just let you take her exams. I know you know the material, your past teachers have written detailed comments on your abilities. This way, you just need to pass her exams.” Mr. Piedmont lifted an eyebrow at him. “How’s that sound? Will that work for you? Never have to see her again.”

  “Fair enough to me. What are you going to make me do instead? Where should I start going? I can always head home early. I’m ok with that.”

  “I don’t know. I’ll see to it tomorrow. Just come straight here instead of her class.” He smiled again. “No going home early, I am held liable for you until school lets out. I can’t have that, now can I?”

  “I completely understand. Thanks a lot, Mr. Piedmont.” Relaxing, Hotan smiled back. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about you. It’s nice to see they were true.”

  “Anything for one of my top students! How are your parents doing?” The old man took a deep breath. “I am sure they are proud of such an outstanding scholar!”

  “Well, never knew my Dad. Don’t even know if he’s alive. My Mom died 2 years ago so I’ve been on my own for quite some time, sir.” Hotan took another piece of candy. I hate this. I hate talking about my mom and my deadbeat dad. You would think they put this stuff in the records too. They need to and should label it ‘Do not ask’.

  “Oh, sorry to hear that, but you’re doing well I hope?” The smile faded as he observed Hotan’s solemn face. A few more clicks of his mouse and it seemed he found what he was looking for. “It says here your guardian is an Annie Kerbowski?”

  “Yeah, the girl who babysat me when I was little. She lets me live in a small apartment at our complex, which she owns. My mom and her were fairly close and having no other family she stepped up to the plate. In return, I’m the handy man. She really has no one else either.” Sighing, he rubbed the back of his neck, letting Mr. Piedmont know the inner workings of his hard life. “And I tend to keep myself busy with things, no point in getting upset over it. I don’t like to dwell on the past. When it happens, that’s it. Nothing can ever be undone. You move forward and hope you learned something from it.”

  “True, and very wise of you to say. You’re not like your fellow students and it’s not your intelligence. You’re particularly more mature for someone your age, but hard times do that to you. You simply grow from them. I am sorry you had to grow up so fast.” The old man mustered a sincere smile.

  “Interesting way of putting it, I like being more grown up. It’s a lot more work, but I enjoy being independent and alone. I don’t make many friends at school because of it.”

  “Well.” He glanced at his computer some more. “I better let you go. School’s about to end in 5 minutes and I have announcements to do. You can always talk to me if you need to. Take another candy if you like. I have more than enough.”

  “Today was exciting enough for me.” He stood up along with Mr. Piedmont who shook his hand. “Once more, thank you Mr. Piedmont. Thank you for being on my side on this.”

  “A true sign that you’ve learned something and have received more wisdom than before.” Walking around his desk, the short old man opened his door. “See you tomorrow, Hotan. I’ll put your time to good use. I promise you that much.”

  Hotan made his way to his locker as he heard Mr. Piedmont’s voice thunder across the school’s intercom system. The math book was in his locker and never will it be touched again. Flinging his book bag over his shoulder, heavy from the Book of Ancients, he swiftly walked to the exit. The classrooms opened their doors and students flooded the hall in a ruckus of noise, gossip, and shouting. Down the front steps of the school, he headed to his left where the old oak stood tall. He leaned against it waiting for Shellie to show. The horde of students piled onto busses and chattering circles gathered on the front schoolyard.

  They were all red.

  “What?” He saw no one close to where he stood. Where did that voice come from?

  They were red candies. It was a test. You should be more cautious about being able to see signs in random color. If Geliah-

  Who are you? Hotan growled, thinking to himself angrily. Who’s in my head! Answer me now!

  Now that Geliah has left, I can speak freely. I’m Callan, the element of Water. I need help. I think you’re the only one who can get me out of here and break his hold on me. There was a moment of silence before he continued, If anyone can disrupt his powers, it would be Rebirth. Hotan, you are going to need to get your abilities under control. I can see what you see, and this shouldn’t be that strong of a connection.

  How are you able to talk to me like this? I don’t understand why me? Why not Talib or someone else? I’m just a kid. Shouting his thoughts out was the only thing he could think to do. I can’t help you, Callan. I don’t even know who I am. I have no abilities!

  Your element flows through you. It’s there, you just need to find the rhythm. Through this flow, we can communicate using our elements and their connections to the world. You’ll understand later. There was a moment of panic as his voice sped up. For now, I need to request your assistance. Geliah will not let me leave by my own free will. Damn, my time’s been cut short.

  “This is going to get difficult.” Head spinning, he took in a deep breath, trying to get his nerves to lie back down.

  The connection between him and Callan had ceased and his mind spun in circles on what he could do. Mulling the conversation over in his head, one element stood out, “They were all red!”

  “What was?” Kyle froze as he approached. “What was red?”

  “The candy,” He stared at Kyle wide eyed. “They were red, how stupid of me.”

  “What candy?” Kyle’s face scrunched up a moment, confused by Hotan’s panic.

  “The candy in Mr. Piedmont’s office.”

  “Oh! I love those watermelon things. Hey! Wait, why were you in the principal’s office?” Excitement crossed Kyle. “Finally! Someone else was sent to Mr. Piedmont’s office! You’re never in trouble, that’s my job! I go just for the candy.”

  “Long story, but.” He paused a moment. “I hope things will make sense tomorrow. I’ll have to tell you about it later. There’s too much hitting me all at once. Today has been a pain in my neck.”

  “I hope so too, because I’m so confused. But, did you hear about the tryouts for the Big Band?” Kyle could tell he was in need of a break from the chaos. “Are we cancelling or are we doing this thing?”

  “Yea, I was going to take Shellie with me and sign us up.” Trying to forget everything, he glowered at a group of laughing jocks. “But the problem is we don’t have a bass guitarist. We’re short one person since Shellie isn’t old enough.”

  “Man that sucks. Got anyone in mind?” Leaning against the tree next to Hotan, Kyle kicked at the dirt. “I can’t think of anyone I know.”

  “Nope, I haven’t a clue either. I was going to see if Chaz would let us do auditions for a day at the club. We can run an Ad in the newspaper and put up flyers. Set a date for those who may want to try out for the spot.” He watched as Shellie walk out chatting happily to her friends. “Let’s see if she’s up for it huh?”

  “That would be cool.” Kyle nodded to himself. “We could be the judges, Shellie might want to help judge since they’ll be replacing her. Seems the right thing to do, she’ll have to work with them.”

  “That’s what I was thinking. Hey, Kyle?” Hotan shifted his eyes to Kyle whose smile faded. “Can I ask you something in regards to our secret?”

  “Yea, wh
at is it?” He furrowed his brow.

  “That tattoo of yours. Does it have any interesting qualities about it?” He lifted an eyebrow at Kyle. “Change in texture, temperature, or anything out of the normal?”

  “Temperature?” Pulling at his shirt, Kyle started to fidget.

  “Well, for instance, my marking is ice cold in one section and hotter in the other part. There’s something unnatural about how it feels.”

  “Heh,” Staring at the ground he shyly kicked up some leaves. “Something like that, I suppose. I ran into that problem today. It’s definitely not the right, temperature. I wish I had paid closer attention to it.”

  “Problem?” Pulling himself away from the tree, Hotan waited for Kyle.

  “Well, if we walk down to the church, I’ll show you. It’s bad enough it happened in class. I just don’t want to try my luck while we are still around people.” He shot him a desperate look. “It was an accident, I swear.”

  “Ok.” Staring into his eyes, he could see Kyle was nervous. What happened to him today? I know I was having a bad day, but I keep forgetting I’m not alone in this self-discovery of promised powers and immortality nonsense.

  “Hey!” Shellie ran up smiling. “Glad to see you made it through the rest of the day!”

  “Hey, Shel.” Hotan stepped away from the tree.

  “I’m so sorry.” She hugged him tightly.

  “Sorry?” Her hug got tighter. “I’m the one who should be saying sorry here lately. I haven’t been talking to you let alone telling you about anything going on with me.”

  “I was getting so angry over nothing. I wasn’t helping your problems. For that much I am sorry.” She released him, looking up at him starry eyed. “Just please keep me in the loop. You never know if there’s something I can help you with.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” A smile crept across Hotan’s face. “So you going to go to the radio studio with me or do you have other plans?”